Bumper crop of blockbusters boosts Cineworld profit and revenue

Beauty and the Beast was one of a slate of strong releases in the period (Source: Getty)

Alys Key

Cinema chain Cineworld has said a strong set of film releases during the first half helped it grow revenue and profit in the period.

A "good quality film slate" including Beauty and the Beast, Guardians of the Galaxy vol.2 and The Fate of the Furious combined with a refurbishment programme boosted seat sales in the six months to 30 June.

Why it's interesting

In addition to the raft of popular films during this period, Cineworld pointed to its own refurbishment programme as a reason for growth.

The company said it was creating better sound and picture quality as well as heightened comfort for its customers.

The chain has also increased its retail offering as the average retail spend per person went up 5.8 per cent to £2.04. Cineworld has 25 Starbucks sites in its UK portfolio and is targeting another four by the end of the year.

What the company said

Chief executive Mooky Greidinger said: "Our strategy is based on our strong belief in the cinema experience, emphasizing our efforts on creating our cinemas in a way that will give our customers 'the best way to watch a movie'".

He added: "These cinemas are being embraced by our customers and give a clear message that we believe in the theatrical experience and expect our customers to come to the cinemas again and again."